What a New York Times subscription gives you
A New York Times subscription lets you read articles on their website and mobile apps without hitting a paywall. The Times uses a metered model, which means you can read a few articles free each month before you need to pay. Once you subscribe, that limit disappears.
The Times offers several subscription tiers. The basic digital subscription covers the website and apps. A bundle adds the print newspaper delivered to your home. A premium tier called All Access includes everything: digital, print, the crossword puzzle app, the games app, and access to their audio articles and newsletters.
You can start a subscription on the Times website or through their mobile apps. Payment is monthly or annual, and you can cancel anytime. Your subscription is tied to your New York Times account, so you can read on any device where you log in.
Key Takeaways
- The New York Times offers three main subscription levels: digital only, digital plus print, and All Access, each with different pricing.
- You can read a limited number of free articles each month before the paywall appears, and a subscription removes that limit entirely.
- Subscriptions renew automatically each month or year depending on your plan, and you can cancel through your account settings anytime.
- Your subscription works across the Times website, their mobile apps, and any device where you sign in with your account.
How to start a digital subscription
Go to nytimes.com and look for the "Subscribe" button, usually in the top right corner. Click it and you'll see the three subscription options with their current prices. Choose the plan you want.
Next, you'll create or sign into your New York Times account. You'll need an email address and a password. If you already have a Times account from commenting or using their free content, sign in with that email instead of creating a new one.
Enter your payment information. The Times accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. They'll charge you when ready for the first billing period, then automatically on the same date each month or year, depending on which plan you chose.
After payment goes through, you're subscribed. You can start reading right away. Your subscription is now active on any device where you sign into that same account.
Subscribing through the mobile apps
You can also start a subscription directly in the New York Times app on iPhone or Android. Open the app, tap the menu (three horizontal lines), and look for "Subscribe" or "Manage Subscription."
If you subscribe through the app, the process is similar: choose your plan, sign in or create an account, and enter payment information. On iPhone, the app uses Apple's in-app purchase system, so the charge appears on your Apple ID bill. On Android, it uses Google Play billing.
Subscriptions started in the app are the same subscription as on the website—they're linked to your New York Times account. You can read on the app or on nytimes.com with the same login.
Understanding the different subscription tiers
Digital subscription is the most affordable option. It includes unlimited articles on nytimes.com and the Times apps for iPhone and Android. You get access to their newsletters and the ability to save articles to read later.
Digital + Print adds a print newspaper delivered to your home. Delivery frequency and cost vary by location—daily delivery, weekend only, or Sunday only are common options. You choose your delivery schedule when you set up the subscription.
All Access is the premium tier. It includes everything in the other plans plus the Crossword app (normally a separate subscription), the Games app with the daily crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and other puzzles, and access to audio articles and the Times' full archive of past articles.
Prices change periodically and vary by region. The Times often offers introductory rates for new subscribers, especially during promotional periods. Check nytimes.com/subscribe to see current pricing.
How billing and cancellation work
Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each billing cycle. If you pay monthly, you're charged once a month. If you pay annually, you're charged once a year. The Times sends a reminder email before each renewal.
To cancel, sign into your New York Times account on nytimes.com, go to "Account" or "Manage Subscription," and look for the option to cancel. You can usually cancel when ready, and your access continues until the end of your current billing period. You won't be charged again.
If you cancel and then want to resubscribe later, you can do so anytime. The Times sometimes offers special rates to returning subscribers, though this varies.
You can also pause your subscription instead of canceling it on some plans. A pause temporarily stops your billing for a set period—usually up to three months—and you can resume when you're ready.
What happens if you hit the free article limit
The New York Times lets you read a certain number of free articles each month before the paywall appears. The exact number varies, but it's typically around five to ten articles depending on how you access the site.
When you hit that limit, you'll see a message asking you to subscribe. At that point, you can either start a subscription or wait until the next month when your free articles reset. Some articles—like breaking news or obituaries—don't count toward the limit.
If you're already subscribed, you won't see this message at all. Your subscription removes the paywall entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my New York Times subscription with family members?
The Times allows you to add up to five household members to your account through their "Manage Account" settings. Each person gets their own login and their own reading history and saved articles. This feature is included with all subscription tiers.
What if I want to change my subscription plan?
Sign into your account, go to "Manage Subscription," and look for the option to upgrade or downgrade. Changes take effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-cycle, you may be charged a prorated amount for the difference.
Do I need a subscription to read the Times on social media or through email newsletters?
No. The Times sends free newsletters to your email, and you can read article summaries and links on their social media accounts without a subscription. A subscription is only needed to read the full articles on their website and apps.
Can I get a student discount?
The Times offers reduced rates for students with a valid .edu email address. Visit nytimes.com/student to see current student pricing and to verify your student status.
What if I'm having trouble logging in to my subscription?
Go to nytimes.com and click "Sign In," then select "Forgot Password" to reset your password. If you're still having trouble, the Times has a help center at nytimes.com/help where you can contact their support team.